April 15, 2004
Pecan’s -
20 Greatest American Pool Checkers Players
Of All Times
(Written by Charles ‘Pecan’ Thompson)
-5th Selection-
Mr. Lightfoot of Macon, Georgia, was probably the most exciting, and fast moving player of all the APCA Top Masters.
His style of talking and keeping up a constant chatter with his opponent, while not being distractive, made him a favorite of the, meddlesome onlookers’ (kibitzers).
In his five appearances in APCA tournaments-from 1968 - 1974, he finished 4th once, 5th once, and 6th three times. His marathon exhibition with "Buster" at the pre-APCA Tournament, in 1972, earned him undying respect from those of us who watched. We knew that "Buster" was trying desperately to win a game from him as Mr. Lightfoot kept up a constant, and witty chatter while seemingly drawing "Buster" with ease. There could have been perhaps, ten to fifteen draws before he ran into the "Shot." I happened to suspect that was the reason for "Buster's" rare show of emotions when he threw the "shot" and LEFT THE ROOM.
In my personal matches with Mr. Lightfoot, there was always a sense of caution that one had to take, or otherwise it would be over in a hurry. While I don't recall what our head-to-head score was when we played, I am positive I didn't win anything from him or I surely would have remembered it. His brief but fantastic career at the top level surely earned him the right to be honored as one of the greatest.
And so, at the number 16 spot, I will place the name of Moses "Headchopper" Lightfoot.